If you are preparing to invest in a new permanently installed air conditioning unit, then you likely have a lot of questions.  After all, it is a big investment and, therefore, you want to be sure that you are getting the best value for your money and the best fit for your home.  There are a few things that you should carefully consider as you price out the available options.  These considerations can greatly increase the efficiency of your home and help you save money on monthly utility bills

1. Be Sure That You Get the Right Sized Unit A common mistake made by residential property owners is replacing an old unit with a new one of the same size. It is understandable that one would just assume that the same size is needed, but the efficiency of the systems is so much better than it was in decades past, that a smaller unit would be a better fit for the home.
2. Carefully Consider the Location of the Outdoor Unit Remember that the outdoor component of the air conditioning system will pull air into the home. That means that you want to be sure that this unit is placed in an appropriate location and not in a place where it is likely to suck in contaminated air (i.e. right next to a busy street).
3. Have Ducts Properly Tested Before Installing A new unit will not provide the efficient cooling that it promises if ducts are leaking air. For this reason, it is always recommended that any existing components are properly inspected before the system is installed and operated.
4. Weigh the Value of System Add-Ons There are some sensors and controls that can improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system. There are some that won’t help at all. Make wise choices.